DRDO recently inked a deal with the IIT to implement the research and innovation centre project, which would focus on materials manufacturing, aerospace, software development and nano materials.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently signed a contract to establish a research and innovation centre in the Research Park of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras. This announcement was made by V.K. Saraswat, director general, DRDO on the sidelines of the 98th Indian Science Congress in Chennai.

After delivering a talk on the second day of the 98th Indian Science Congress, Dr Saraswat revealed that the new project would encourage a “free flow” of scientists, academicians and students, and would focus on materials manufacturing, aerospace, software development and nano materials. “My scientists will work in IIT as adjunct professors. Similarly, IIT professors and students will work as scientists in my centre,” the Hindu quoted Dr Saraswat as saying.

Industry is good at delivery while academia is good at research and what is needed is innovation to bridge the two, he said.

DRDO has taken 30,000 sq.ft space at the IIT Madras Technology Park for the proposed project.